On Monday, September 25, 2017, fifteen lucky students from T. Schor Middle School listened in rapt attention as Ms. Jessica Brown, CEO of College Gurl, a company dedicated to making college affordable for every student, offered talk and tips on college and life.

The students’ names were entered by their parents on Back-to-School Night, and then drawn in a lottery. They left the presentation with lots of encouragement, inspiration, and an autographed copy of Ms. Brown’s book, How to Pay for College When You’re Broke.

Ms. Brown recounted her time in Schor. She struggled in some subjects, but knew she could count on her teachers to help pull her through. “Your teachers will always support you,” she told the students. “They will instill the world in you – then it’s up to you to go get the world.” She encouraged the students to speak up, ask questions, take advantage of what they have every day, and to be fearless! “Dare to be different!” she said.

Ms. MaryAnn Williams, who teaches Math at Schor and coordinated the event, was one of those teachers Ms. Brown could count on. She reminded the students about success. “It’s all about what comes from inside,” she said. She then noted, “Ms. Brown has always been a go-getter. She’s very determined. That’s why we wanted you to meet her.”

On her favorite subject, paying for college, Ms. Brown told the students it wasn’t too early for them to think about their future. “Financial planning for college starts now,” she said. “Get good grades and you can get scholarships. Try out different clubs. Don’t say no until you’ve tried something. And make yourself jump out of that paper.”